5 Shocking Facts About Brett Harrelson: Woody Harrelson's Brother And The Hitman's Son

Brett Harrelson is a name that often surfaces in the shadow of his globally famous older brother, Woody Harrelson, but his own life is a tapestry of surprising roles, from a working actor to a champion athlete and a dedicated activist. As of December 2025, the younger Harrelson sibling remains a figure of intrigue, primarily due to his own unique career path and the infamous, dark legacy of their father, convicted hitman Charles Harrelson.

The latest information reveals that Brett has been actively involved in discussing his family's complex history, particularly the true-crime investigative podcast Son of a Hitman, while also cultivating a successful career outside of Hollywood's main spotlight, including a prominent role in the burgeoning CBD industry. He is much more than just "Woody Harrelson's brother"; he is a man with a multifaceted biography that continues to capture public curiosity.

Brett Harrelson: Complete Biographical Profile

Brett Voyde Harrelson is an American actor, athlete, and entrepreneur whose life story is deeply intertwined with both Hollywood fame and family notoriety. Born into a turbulent family environment, he has carved out a distinct identity for himself while remaining connected to his famous brother and the legacy of his father.

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• Full Name: Brett Voyde Harrelson
• Date of Birth: June 4, 1963
• Age (as of 2025): 62 years old
• Place of Birth: Midland, Texas, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, National Cart Racing Champion, Entrepreneur
• Siblings: Woody Harrelson (Older Brother), Jordan Harrelson (Older Brother)
• Parents: Charles Harrelson (Father, convicted hitman), Diane Lou Oswald (Mother)
• Notable Film Credits: The People vs. Larry Flynt, From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money, Strangeland
• Known For: His supporting roles in cult films and being the younger brother of Woody Harrelson.

The Unexpected Career of an Actor and Champion

While his brother Woody achieved global superstardom with roles in Cheers, Natural Born Killers, and True Detective, Brett Harrelson pursued a career in acting that leaned heavily into supporting roles, often in projects with a distinctive cult following. His filmography, though smaller than his brother's, includes several notable genre films and collaborations with major directors.

Key Acting Roles and Filmography

Brett Harrelson's acting career began in the early 1990s and includes appearances in both film and television. His most recognized work is often connected to projects where he worked alongside or near his brother, though he has established his own credits.

• The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996): A significant role in this biographical drama, which also starred Woody Harrelson.
• From Dusk Till Dawn 2: Texas Blood Money (1999): He played a prominent role in this sequel to the Quentin Tarantino/Robert Rodriguez horror-crime film.
• Strangeland (1998): A horror film written by and starring Dee Snider of Twisted Sister fame.
• Other Credits: His filmography also includes titles such as A Mom for Christmas (1990) and The Sunchaser (1996).

National Cart Racing Champion and Vegan Advocate

Perhaps the most surprising facet of Brett Harrelson's life is his success outside of the film industry. He is a National Cart Racing Champion, demonstrating a high level of skill and dedication in professional motorsports. This athletic achievement contrasts sharply with the glitz of Hollywood, showcasing his diverse range of talents.

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Furthermore, Brett is a long-time advocate for a plant-based lifestyle. He has been a committed Vegan for over 35 years, predating the modern mainstream popularity of the diet. This dedication to ethical and health principles is a core part of his public identity and aligns with the environmental activism often associated with the Harrelson family.

The Harrelson Family's Infamous Legacy and Current Controversies

The Harrelson name carries a heavy historical burden, largely due to the actions of their father, Charles Harrelson, a convicted contract killer who was imprisoned for the murder of a federal judge. This dark past continues to influence the brothers' public lives and has recently become a subject of intense media scrutiny.

Discussing 'The Hitman's' Life

In recent years, Brett Harrelson has stepped into the public eye to discuss the complexities of his father's life and the family's relationship with him. He was a key figure in the promotion and discussion surrounding the investigative podcast Son of a Hitman, which delved deeply into Charles Harrelson’s life, crimes, and the possibility of his innocence in certain cases. This willingness to address the family's painful history head-on provides a fresh, personal perspective on a decades-old crime story.

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The Matthew McConaughey Half-Brother Rumor

One of the most talked-about and current topics surrounding the Harrelson brothers is the persistent rumor that actor Matthew McConaughey might be their half-brother. Woody Harrelson has publicly stated that he and McConaughey believe they could share a biological father.

Brett Harrelson has actively fueled this discussion, stating that he and Woody are "desperate" for McConaughey to take a DNA test to confirm the speculation. The theory stems from a story about their mother, Diane Lou Oswald, and McConaughey's mother, Mary McConaughey, having a past connection with their father, Charles Harrelson. Brett's candid remarks have kept this fascinating Hollywood mystery in the headlines, highlighting the close bond and shared curiosity between the siblings.

Beyond Acting: The Harrelson's Own CBD Connection

In addition to his acting and athletic pursuits, Brett Harrelson is an entrepreneur in the wellness space. He is associated with Harrelson's Own CBD, a brand that leverages the family's long-standing connection to hemp and cannabis advocacy. This venture aligns with the Harrelson brothers' public support for the legalization and benefits of hemp products.

His involvement with the brand is a clear indication that his current focus is on combining his personal values (veganism, natural wellness) with a business enterprise. This role as a business owner and advocate provides the most up-to-date look at his professional activities outside of his occasional acting roles.

In conclusion, Brett Harrelson is a figure of unexpected depth. He is an actor who appeared in cult classics, a champion in a high-speed sport, a lifelong vegan, and a public voice discussing his family’s dark past and their intriguing connection to another Hollywood star. His life story is a compelling narrative of navigating a complex family legacy while forging a successful, multi-faceted path of his own.